Food Runner Salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
Food Runners in Port St. Lucie, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $13.75 per hour, which translates to about $550.00 per week, $2,383.33 per month, and $28,600.00 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Port St. Lucie is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive trend in job opportunities for this role in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Port St. Lucie, FL?
The salary of a Food Runner in Port St. Lucie ranges depending on experience and employer, with entry-level positions earning less and top earners making more.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.85 | $434.00 | $1,873.33 | $22,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.75 | $550.00 | $2,379.17 | $28,600.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
Do Food Runners in Port St. Lucie Earn Tips?
Food Runners often receive tips as part of their compensation. They can earn an extra $3 to $5 per hour in tips, depending on the type of establishment and customer volume, which importantly supplements their base salary.
Food Runner Salary in Port St. Lucie vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners make an average of about $15.60 per hour, which results in roughly $32,448.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Port St. Lucie earn slightly less, at approximately $13.75 per hour and $28,600.00 annually. This variance may reflect the local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Port St. Lucie for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Food Runners:
- Tradition: $14.50 per hour
- St. Lucie West: $15.00 per hour
These areas provide slightly higher pay than Port St. Lucie itself and may be attractive options for Food Runners seeking increased earnings.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Port St. Lucie?
Several factors can impact how much a Food Runner earns in Port St. Lucie:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Food Runners may command higher wages due to better knowledge of food service operations and efficiency.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy venues often pay more and have higher tipping potential compared to casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Food Runners working night shifts, weekends, or holidays may receive shift differentials increasing their pay.
- Local Demand: High customer traffic areas tend to offer better salary and tipping opportunities because of greater restaurant activity.
- Certifications and Training: Additional training relevant to food safety and customer service may enhance earning capabilities.
How To Become a Food Runner in Port St. Lucie
To start a career as a Food Runner in Port St. Lucie, consider the following steps:
- Complete Basic Culinary or Food Service Training: Programs like the Indian River State College Culinary Program provide courses in culinary arts and hospitality management, essential for foundational skills.
- High School Culinary Programs: Port St. Lucie High School Culinary Arts Program offers introductory training suited for entry-level food service roles like Food Runner.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: National certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrate knowledge of safe food handling practices, often required by employers.
- State-Specific Training: Florida Responsible Vendor Training is beneficial, especially when working in establishments that serve alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Port St. Lucie
There are several well-known employers actively seeking Food Runners in the area, including:
- Dave & Buster's
- Chili's Grill & Bar
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
Establishments That Food Runners in Port St. Lucie Work At
Food Runners typically work in a variety of restaurant types including casual dining, fast casual, and upscale restaurants.
Establishment type significantly influences salary and tipping opportunities. For example, upscale restaurants often pay Food Runners higher wages and offer more generous tips compared to casual or fast casual dining venues.
Fast casual restaurants may offer steady work but usually with lower base pay and fewer tips, while venues like steakhouses or entertainment dining can provide increased total compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Port St. Lucie for Food Runners
If you're interested in exploring careers similar to Food Running, consider roles like Busser, Waiter/Waitress, or Food Delivery Driver which share related skills and can offer different pathways in hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Port St. Lucie
Food Runners working in Port St. Lucie should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure proper compliance and fair treatment at work.
- Information on federal labor laws can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific employment laws are available at the State of Florida's official site.
- For local employment resources and regulations, visit the City of Port St. Lucie's official website.